The William T. Young Library is now open continuously from noon Sundays to 10 p.m. Fridays, and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 29, 2004) --In response to student demand, University of Kentucky Libraries have re-opened the William T. Young Library on a 24-hour schedule during most weekdays.

“This is a good example of the way increased tuition is used to improve services for students,” said Carol Diedrichs, dean of UK Libraries.

Two years ago, the William T. Young Library cut its hours from a 24-hour schedule in the wake of budget cuts, she said. Almost immediately, students began requesting more access to the library and its materials.

“We heard from Student Government and individual students,” Diedrichs said.

The requests prompted library officials to open the Lucille Caudill Little Fine Arts Library on a 24-hour schedule during the spring 2004 semester as an experiment. “Over the summer, we looked at the data (regarding usage and costs). We calculate it costs about $75,000 a year to keep the William T. Young Library open on an extended-hours schedule, with the salaries of a full-time staff member, student assistants, and security guards as the largest factor in that budget,” Diedrichs said.

Funding for the additional hours was provided by the Provost’s Office.

The William T. Young Library is now open continuously from noon Sundays to 10 p.m. Fridays, and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays.

“It shows that even in this time of budget constraints, the administration is sensitive to student needs,” said Student Government President Rachel Watts. “Carol Diedrichs and (William T. Young Library director) Mary Molinaro are so receptive to the needs of students. The administration really stepped out,” Watts said.